PS 635 
.Z9 L79 
Copy 1 



The Magic Fiddle 



A Musical Fairy Drama 



In Five Acts 



By Thomas J. Livingstone, S. J. 




Loyola University Press 

1076 West Roosevelt Road 
CHICAGO 



The Magic Fiddle 



A Musical Fairy Drama 

In Five Acts 



BY 



Thomas J. Livingstone, S. J. 



LOYOLA UNIVERSITY PRESS 
Chicago, Illinois 



b 






Ai.V 



COPYRIGHT, 1921 

BY 

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY 
CHICAGO, ILL. 



y y 



©CI.0 57384 



PEEFACE 

The ''Magic Fiddle" was first produced by the 
Eighth Grade pupils of St. John's School, Omaha, 
Neb. Meeting with more than ordinary success, it was 
repeated by request before the Sisters attending the 
Summer Course in the Creighton University. Since 
then many applications have been made for copies of 
the Play, but until the present time the Author has not 
found leisure to prepare it for the Press. 

It is now printed to meet this demand and to supply 
a new Play for Eighth Grade pupils, one which they 
can produce with success and which will give all of 
them, both boys and girls, a chance to appear. 

The following directions will greatly aid in making 
the Play a success: 

The Magic Fiddle 

The boy who takes the part of Kaspar is not sup- 
posed to play the violin — he only pretends to do so, 
going through the motions of playing. The real playing 
is to be done by a skilful player who stands in the 
wings near Kaspar. 

The Cow 

Only the Head, front legs and fore part of the body 

of the cow are necessary. These may be painted on 

paper which is afterwards pasted on card board, 

trimmed to the proper shape and reinforced by pieces 

of Avood, so that the cow Avill stand upright, when leaned 

against the wings, with the head projecting. Have a 

rope around its neck with which to tie it to the tree 

painted on the wings. The cow may be called the 

heroine of the Play and is indispensable. As soon as 

the cow appears the audience will be put into good 

humor. 

3 



The Costumes 

The Fairies wear the conventional costume. The 
Queen, in the first act, has a cloak over her costume. 

The Duke and his party wear Court dresses. 

Kaspar at first wears the Tyrolese costume ; later, 
he is dressed in a handsome Page's costume. 

The Eobbers, Roberto, the Farmer, the Butcher and 
the Jailor wear the Tyrolese costume. 

Tyrolese costume : Short trousers reaching about 
two inches above the knees. AYoolen stockings rolled 
back to about two inches beloAv the knees, thus leaving 
them bare. Low shoes. A colored shirt over which is 
worn a pair of suspenders made of cloth about an inch 
wide, forming an H before and on the back. A; green 
conical hat with a feather. 

Gypsy: Black slouch hat, dark coat, vest and knee 
pants, white stockings over which two different-colored 
strips of cloth are wound spirally in opposite directions, 
forming X's. 

The Scenery 

a) The most important scene is the Fairy Grotto. 
This should be novel and attractive. In lieu of a painted 
scene, various colored muslins with wreaths and 
streamers could be used to make a pretty scene. The 
throne should be placed diagonally across one of the 
back corners of the scene, leaving the stage free for the 
evolutions of the Fairies. This scene should be set 
before the performance begins, so that the transforma- 
tion from the first scene, which should be in front of 
it, can be made as quickly as possible. In the original 
performance, the change was made by turning out all 
the electric lights for a few seconds, during which the 
front scene was raised; then turning them on again. 
The effect Avas very striking. 

b) The Play calls for eight scenes, but as few Halls 
have such a number of scenes, some ingenuity will be 
required to supply the deficiency. Three scenes are 



absoutely necessary: the Fairy Grotto, a Wood scene 
and an Interior. 

The Wood scene will do for the opening scene ; and, 
by adding some flower vases and shrubs it will serve as 
a garden and park scene. 

The Interior, with pictures on the wall, will serve 
as a Room in the Palace; with maps on the wall, as 
the Justice 's office ; with the pictures and a couch, it 
will serve as a Bedroom in the Palace. A prison scene 
can easily be made by painting, in black on a white 
back-ground, the outlines of the stones in the wall. 

The Songs 

Any suitable songs may be used in place of the ones 
indicated. To save the expense of music engraving, only 
the words of the songs are given ; but reference is made 
to the page in "The Golden Book of Favorite Songs" 
where the corresponding melody (rarely the words) may 
be found. This Collection, published by Hall and Mc- 
Creary, 430 South AVabash Avenue. Chicago, 111., price, 
15 cents, may be had at the office of the Publishers of 
this Play. 

The Fairy Songs and Re\'els 

The Fairy who announces the songs, stands alongside 
the throne. 

Each soloist rwis in from the side opposite to the 
throne, curtsies to the Queen, then runs forward and 
curtsies to the audience while the Introduction to the 
song is being played. After the song she curtsies to the 
audience, then to the Queen, then runs off. The Fairies 
who form the chorus should enter in time for the chorus 
and leave the stage with the soloist. 

The Fairy of Spring, etc., should be dressed in 
accordance with the character she represents. The 
Chorus should have flowers with the Fairy of the flowers, 
pennants with the Fairy of the sea, and Chinese lan- 
terns with the Fairy of sleep. 



The songs should be sung with gestures; in the 
chorus, the others make the same gestures as the soloist. 
Put plenty of life and motion into the songs. 

At the close of the last song, the fairies lie down to 
sleep, the lights are lowered and the curtain slowly 
descends. 



Properties 

Put some one in charge of the properties, so that 
each article may be at hand when needed. 

Act I 
Scene 1. — Flask, locket, cloak, whistle. 
Scene 2. — Fiddle, bell, flowers, pennants, lanterns. 

Act II 

Scene 1. — Cow and rope, pocket-book, two onions. 
Scene 2. — ^Letter. 

Scene 3. — Two desks, paper, pens and ink, feather 
duster. Two notes. 

Act III 
Scene 1. — Bell, gold chain. 
Scene 2. — Eevolver, pocket-book, two flasks. 
Scene 3.— Sacks, darklantern, masks, dagger, two 
swords, couch. 

Act IV 
Scene 1. — * # * * 
Scene 2. — Glass of water, couch, three stools. 

Act V 
Scene 1. — * * * * 
Scene 2. — Photograph, locket, fiddle. 



Cast of Characters 

Kaspar, a Shepherd Boy. 

The Duke of Wilten. 

Count Saxon. 

Viscount Amrass. 

Herr Gamoot, a Musician. 

Valet to the Duke. 

Fang, a Magistrate, 

Snapper, his Clerk. 

Roberto, an Outlaw. 

Romany Rye, a Gypsy. 

Herr Goodhouse, a Farmer. 

Herr Schmidt, a Butcher. 

Jack, a Robber. 

Bill, a Robber. 

Queen of the Fairies. 

Cowslip. 

Marigold. 

Mignonette. 

Harebell. 

Hawthorne, a Messenger. 

Primrose, a Messenger. 

Asphodel, a Messenger. 

Verna, Fairy of Spring. 

Flora, Fairy of the Flowers. 

Marina, Fairy of the Sea. 

DoRMiTA, Fairy of Sleep. 

A Jailer. 

Attendant Fairies. 



Synopsis of Scenery 

Act I Scene 1— The Alps. 
Scene 2 — Fairyland. 

Act II Scene 1— The Alps. 

Scene 2 — Palace Garden. 
Scene 3 — Court Room. 

Act III Scene 1 — Room in the Palace. 
Scene 2 — Woods. 
Scene 3 — Room in the Palace. 

Act IV Scene 1— Palace Garden. 
Scene 2 — Prison. 

Act Y Scene 1— Court Room. 
Scene 2 — Ducal Park. 



ACT 1. 

Scene 1. Road in the Alps — Mountains in the 
Background 

(Enter two Rohhers, L.) 
Jack : I tell you, Bill, these are mighty hard times. 
Bill: You're right. Jack; we honest folk have no 
chance at all. A man can't even earn his salt, these 
days. 

Jack : His salt ! AVhat the dickens do we care for 
salt. Some Jersey Lightning, Holland Gin or Tangle- 
foot is what we're after. 

Bill : Say, Bill, it just makes my mouth water to 
hear you talk of Holland Gin. Just look at this empty 
flask and see this tightened belt, if you w^ant to know 
what I've undergone. For three days, now, I haven't 
had a drop of liquor. 

Jack : My husky voice and paling nose tell the same 
tale. But say, suppose you let us have a song, just to 
cheer us up a bit. 

Bill: All right, old Pal; here goes: (Any rollick- 
ing song, e.g., ''The Bull Bog," page 78.) 
Jack : Bravo ! bravo ! that did me good. 
Bill: Well, let's be off and look for work. If we 
can only find some well-filled crib to crack, we 11 have all 
the drink we want. Come on. (Exeunt.) 
Kaspar (enters): 
Oh, what a peaceful, joyous life is mine ! 
My daily task to tend the grazing flock 
Of snow-white sheep that nip the tender grass 
From mountain side or fertile upland slope 
And quench their thirst in ciystal rills that flow 
With pleasing murmur down their pebbly course. 
Above me tower in silent majesty 
The snow-crowned Alps, peak on peak sublime. 

9 



Below, I see the busy haunts of men 
Whose mingled murmurs, wafted by the breeze, 
Oft reach me here. My simple songs I sing, 
By nature taught, to cheer the passing hour. 
And yet, at times, a saddened feeling comes 
And throws its gloomy shadow o'er my heart. 
I long for things unknown, for brighter scenes, 
More full of life, more like the fairy haunts 
I visit in my dreams. Can there be such? 
Do fairies visit still these earthly vales 
And dance their midnight rounds beneath the 

moon ? 
And weave their mystic spells? Ah! would 

'twere so. 
(Enter Fairy Queen,, disguised as a beggar.) 
Fairy Queen : Good little boy, please help a poor 
old woman. 

Kaspar : What can I do for you ? 
Fairy Queen : Some money to buy bread. 
Kaspar : Alas ! I have none to give ; I am but a poor 
shepherd boy. 

Fairy Queen : What is that you have hanging from 
your neck? 

KasPxYR : That is an old locket my poor old nurse 
gave me for good luck and told me never to part with. 
Fairy Queen: Give me that. 

Kaspar : It is a keepsake, and besides it is very old 
and not worth anything. 

Fairy Queen : Will you let a poor old woman 
starve ? 

Kaspar : Oh, no ; not for the world ! Here, take it 
and welcome ; and may it bring you enough to buy some- 
thing to eat. I wish I had more to give you. 

Fairy Queen : Thank you ! thank you ! You are a 
good boy. Give me your hand. (Blows a whistle. y 
(Riimhling noise is heard and stage is darkened as trans- 
formation of scene takes place.) 



10 



Scene 2. A Beautiful Cave or Grotto. 

Fairies (enter dacing; they form a group aroimd 
Queen and Kaspar). 

Kaspar: What place is this wherein I stand? 
Queen : These are the realms of Fairy-Land. 
Kaspar : And who are you in garb so mean ? 
Queen : Behold ! I am the Fairy Queen ! (Throws 
off cloak.) 

Kaspar (kneels on one knee before her): All hail! 
Fairy Queen! 

Fairies (sing): Melody, ''Stars and Stripes/* 
page 21.) 

^ ' All hail to our Queen ! may she rule o 'er us long, 
Hier grace and her beauty we celebrate in song ; 
Around her we gather to prove our love and zeal, 
While lips wreathed in smiles show the joy we all feel. " 
Queen : 

Primrose, who doth the modes inspire, 
Deck out this lad in meet attire. 
Primrose (retires with Kaspar). 
Queen : 

Cowslip, who rightest mortal wrongs, 
Find our to whom this face belongs. 
(Gives locket; exit Cowslip.) 

Good subjects all, my fairies dear, 
This shepherd lad I've brought you here. 
Is one that loves our race full well 
And wished to know where we did dwell. 
To see if he would worthy prove 
This boon to gain and share our love, 
Disguised in rags, as beggar old, 
A painful tale of want I told. 
And begged an alms to buy me bread. 
No wealth had he, but gave instead, 
With cheering words of priceless worth, 
Yon locket, all he had on earth. 
What think you, then, — was it not meet 
That he should see our fair retreat, 

11 



And hear the song and view the dance 

That mortal senses must entrance ? 
Fairies: 

Indeed, indeed it was most meet 

That he should see our fair retreat. 
Queen : 

Your kind approval, fairies dear, 

Is sweetest music to my ear. 

But now 'tis time to hold our court 

And hear our messenger report, 
(Enter Marigold and soloists.) 
Marigold : 

Our i3leasant task it was today, 

To Avatch the children at their play. 

And ward off any cause of fear, 

Should harm or danger hover near. 

They sang some songs in pleasing verse. 

Which now our fairies will rehearse. 

A lullaby, the first shall be. 

To soothe a babe on mother's knee. 

Hawthorne (sings, "lAdlahy/' hy BraJims, words 
and music, page 69.) 
Marigold : 

Of Santa Claus we next shall sing, 
And of the gifts he loves to bring. 

Primrose (sings, ''Jolly Old St. Nicliolas," words 
and music, page 4.) 
Marigold : 

The Fairy now who comes in view, 
Will sing about the Little Boy Blue. 

Asphodel: (sings, "Little Boy Blue,'' words and 
music, page 30.) 

Hawthorne : 

Behold, where swiftly hither flies 

Our Cowslip fair, in glad surprise. 
Cowslip (enters): Hail, Queen and sisters fair! 
Fairies: All hail! 

12 



Cowslip : 

Queen, to do your sweet behest, 

1 traveled far both east and west; 
Yet nowhere found a living face 

In which these features I could trace. 

But in a mansion, rich and fair, 

I found a picture painted there, 

The very image of the face 

Which this small locket doth incase. 

I could not learn the lady's name, 

For, as into the house I came, 

I found them running here and there, 

Preparing for a concert rare. 
Queen : 

Well has your toilsome task been done ; 

Our gracious thanks you've nobly won. 

But who is he who owns this place 

Where you did find the pictured face? 
Cowslip : 

The Duke of Wilten is his name ; 

I think, O Queen, you've heard the same. 
Queen : 

I know him well, but let that rest ; 

For see ! here comes our youthful guest. 
Primrose (enters ivitli Kaspar): 

Behold the suit prepared in haste ! 

AYhat thinks your Highness of my taste ? 
Queen : 

Your taste beyond all doubt is fine. 

You'd think him sprung of princely line. 

My pretty boy, pray hither come. 

Receive my thanks for what you've done. 

The poor old beggar ^now doth bless 

The hand that helped her in distress. 
Kaspar : 

Your gracious Majesty, I little thought 

When giving you that locket, poor but prized, 

That I was speaking to the Fairy Queen. 

Or that so great a favor should be mine 

13 



As to behold the bright and charming realms 

Of Fairyland, the theme of all my dreams. 
Queen: 

If you had known all that you say, 

Small thanks, indeed, had been your pay. 

But since to me, though all unknown, 

Such kindness you have freely shown, 

Come, tell me for what boon you yearn. 

That I may give it you in turn. 

By this bright crown, the pledge of power, 

I'll grant the gift within the hour. 
Primrose : 

Be not afraid, fair youth, to ask ; 

To give will be a pleasing task. 
Kaspar : 

Your Majesty, the only boom I crave. 

Is leave to see your fairy reyels gay 

And mystic spells. For this full oft I've 
yearned, 

When lonesome on the mountain side I 've stood 

And watched the setting sun, with rays of fire. 

Light up each Alpine peak with ruddy glow. 

For this, in dreams I 've sighed, and waking, 
wished 

To dream again, to see if dreams would take 
me there. 
Queen: 

Your modest wish I grant with joy ; 

But let me add, my pretty boy, 

That none our revels gay may see, 

Or share our guarded mystery, 

But he must carry hence some sign. 

Some token of our love benign. 

Full oft I 've heard, yon rocks among. 

The pleasing echoes of your song. 

The fittest gift, I think, would be, 

As comrade to your harmony, 

A magic fiddle. Harebell, dear. 

Go, bring the magic fiddle here. 

14 



Harebell (exit). 

Kaspar : 

Alas, your Majesty, though gratitude 
Quite fills my heart for your kind gift, 
I much do fear that lack of needful skill 
Will render all in vain your kind intent. 

Queen : 

You little know the greater worth 
Of fairy gifts to those of earth. 
Else had you not, my little man. 
Made such objection to my plan. 
Know, then, that when the faries give 
A gift to those on earth that live. 
They also give the needful skill 
To make the gift its purpose fill. 
You Ve but to draw the magic bow 
Across the strings, and thence will flow 
Such tones of wondrous melody. 
Such strains of dulcet harmony, 
That all who hear amazed will stand, 
And praise the cunning of your hand. 

Harebell (enters ivitli fiddle ivJiich site gives to 
Queen). 

Queen : 

Behold, here is your precious dower ! 

Make trial of its magic power. (Presents fiddle.) 

Kaspar (plays fiddle): 

rapturous music ! how the hills and vales 
Will love to echo your delightful tones ! 
No more shall grief or sorrow o'er my brow 
Their gloomy shadows trail. My very sheep 
Will cease their grazing, all intent to hear 
Th ' entrancing strains that fill the wondering 
air. 

Queen : 

No longer shall you spend your days 
'Mid rural scenes and rustic ways. 
In lofty halls of nobles proud 
Must your sweet tones sound clear and loud ; 

15 



And you yourself, the favored guest, 
Shall be both welcomed and caressed. 
The Duke of Wilten, you must know, 
Prepares a concert ; thither go, 
A sample of your skill to show. 
One feature of this instrument, 
If e 'er on frolic you are bent, 
I now must not forget to say : 
Whene'er upon its strings you play. 
You can, at will, make all who chance 
To hear its tones, unceasing dance. 
And last, if ever you should need 
My help or presence with all speed, 
In case of danger, hurt or harm. 
You Ve but to use this magic charm : 
''Sunbeams dancing o'er the sea, 
Moonbeams glancing o'er the lea, 
Starbeams twinkling merrily, — 
Call the Fairy Queen to me. ' ' 

Fairies (in the wings sing the charm. Melody, page 
115, top of page). 

Kaspar: How beautiful! Hark! (Clock strikes 
twelve.) 

Queen : 

'Tis midnight : call the fairies in ; 

'Tis time our revels to begin. 

Come, sit upon this throne with me. 

The guest of our gay company. 

Your presence will our joy enhance, 

While our liege subjects lead the dance. 
Dance of the fairies. 
Fairies (enter and dance, then, exeunt). 

Marigold : 

Our hearts a hearty welcome sing 
To greet the ''Fairy Of the Spring." 
Verna (runs in, curtsies to Queen, then to Audi- 
ence). (Song: Melody, "Come With Thy Lute," 
page 36.) 

16 



' ' I am the Spring 's chosen Fairy, 
Gay as a lark and as merry, 
Filling all hearts Avith delight. 
After dark winter is over, 
I bring the grass and the clover, 
Making the fields green and bright. 
Then send the rain in refreshing showers. 
And deck the land with blooming flowers. ' ' 

Fairies (enter and repeat tlie song with soloists, then 
exeunt). 

Marigold : 

Next comes our Mignonette to tell. 
AYhere we gay fairies love to dwell. 
Mignonette (song: Melody, ''Last Night,'' etc., 
page 22). 

' ' Oh, wouldst thou know where the fairies. 
The dainty fairies dwell, 
And learn, too, the spot where they gather 
To work each mystic spell? 
Far, far from the gaze of all mortals. 
From every prying eye ; 
Yet still the place where they love best to 

dwell 
May be met with beneath the broad sky. ' ' 

Fairies : 

''Within the depths of the greenwood. 

Within the shady dell, 

Where flowers spring up in rare beauty, 

The joyous fairies dwell. 

There sing they, in echoing chorus. 

Their varied and pleasing song ; 

There dance they, in frolicsome measure, 

Their dances, rejoicing the whole night long." 

(Exeunt.) 
Marigold : 

From verdant meads and woodland bowers, 

Here comes ''The Fairy of the Flowers." 
Flora (song: Melody, ''Loch Lomond,'' page 35). 

17 



1. '' Oh, I am the fairy who tends on the flowers, 

And who guards them as some precious treasure, 
From the first dawn of spring to the autumn's last 

decline, 
They're my fondest, fondest source of sweet 
pleasure. 
Fairies : 

Chorus — 
'^What joy fills my heart, when I gaze on the 
flowers. 
As they bloom in their fragrance and beauty; 
While to deck them in colors both various and 

bright, 
Is my sweetest, sweetest task and my duty. 

2. ' ' When the warm zephyrs blow and the soft showers 

fall, 
'Tis the sign that the winter is over ; 
Then at once from their sleep I awaken the 

flowers. 
And I bid them raise their heads 'mid the clover. ' ' 
Fairies (sing cliorus and exeunt). 
Marigold : 

From ocean wide where winds blow free, 
Next comes "The Fairy of the Sea." 
Marina (song: Melody, "Rohin Redbreast," page 
98). 

''I'm the Fairy of the Ocean, 
With its Avaves so wild and free. 
With its waves so mid and free ; 
And I love the gallant sailors 
Who brave the stormy sea. 
When the Storm King comes in fury. 
And billows rage and foam, 
I guard the tossing vessel, 
And I guide it safely home." 
Fairies : 

Chorus- — (Begin with third line of music.) 
''I'm the Fairy of the Sea, on a ship I love to be, 
With the sailors bold and free. 

18 



As they gaily dance and sing. 

Though the stormy winds may blow 

And the ship toss high and low, 

No signs of fear iliej show, 

But to hope they stoutly cling. ' ' (Exeunt.) 
Marigold : 

And last, while stars their vigils keep, 

Appears ''The Fairy of Sweet Sleep." 
DoRMiTA (song: Melody mid words, ''Sweet and 
Loiv/' page 58). 

Fairies (sing second verse then all lie down, the 
lights are lowered and the curtain slowly descends). 



1!) 



ACT II. 
Scene 1. Mountain ROxVd as in Act 1, Scene 1. 

Kaspar (discovered asleep. Wakes up and looks 
around) : 

I did but dream. let me dream again ! 
For ne'er such heavenly joy I've felt before. 
Methonght I stood in fairyland, and saw 
Such sights as mortal eye ne'er gazed upon, 
While strains entrancing filled my wondering 

ear. (Looks at clothes.) 
But what is this? Do I still sleep and dream? 
(Sees fiddle ivJiicJi lie picks up.) 

'Twas then no dream. This fiddle and this 

dress 
Proclaim that what I saw was real, 
And not the figment of fantastic sleep. 
Let me but try if still the magic power 
Lives in these strings. But soft ! some one 
draws near. (Retires to hack of stage.) 
Romany (enters leading a cow, wJiich Jie ties to a 
stump): Well, Romany, it's a wise son that can teach 
his own grandfather. See that cow ? Ha; ha ! That 
cow 's mine. Yes, she 's mine twice over. She 's mine be- 
cause I owned her, and she's two times mine, because I 
sold her and have her still. Ha, ha, ha ! It takes a 
Gypsy to make a bargain. (Takes out onion and begins 
to eat it.) Won't Farmer Goodhouse open his eyes when 
he goes to milk his cow in the morning ? AA^ell, I rather 
guess so. Let me see if I've got the money all safe. 
(Takes out pockethook and counts money.) Yes, all 
right, thirty dollars. I sold him the cow for thirty dol- 
lars, and then, last night, I took her out of the stable, 
and now I'm going to sell her to the butcher of the next 
village, and I'll get twenty or thirty dollars more for 
her, and tomorrow she'll be sausage meat. 0, Land of 
Egypt! ain't I smart! I feel so good, I could almost 



dance. Let's see if I can make up a song about that 
cow. (Sings: Melody, ''Mary Had a Little Lamh," 
page 20.) 

*'A farmer bought a little cow, little cow, little cow, 
A farmer bought a little coav, a milch cow I'll be 

bound. 
But when he went to milk the cow, milk the cow, milk 

the cow, 
But when he went to milk the cow, the cow could not 
found. 
Mooing of the cow, moo-oo-oo-oo, moo-oo-oo-oo, 
Mooing of the cow, moo-oo-oo-oo, moo-oo-oo-oo. 
ain 't I glad I 'm not that farmer man. 
Not that farmer man, that mad farmer man, 
Ain't I glad I'm not that farmer man. 
Mourning for his cow. ' ' 
Well, I must be going. 
Kaspar (comes forward) : Hello, Romany ! 
RoMANYS Hello ! What will you take for the fiddle ? 
Kaspar: It's not for sale, Romany. 
Romany : Do you play on that instrument ? 
Kaspar : Yes ; are you fond of music ? 
Romany: Oh, yes; I used to play myself, when I 
was young. 

Kaspar : What instrument did you play ; the fiddle ? 
Romany : No ; the instrument that King David used 
to play. 

Kaspar : Oh, you mean the harp. 
Romany: Yes, the Jew.' 's harp. But come, play me 
something. 

Kaspar : What kind of music shall I play ? 
Romany: Oh, play something lively — a Hungarian 
dance, if you can. 

Kaspar: All right. (Plays slowly at first; then, by 
degrees, faster.) 

Romany (begins to smile): Oh, that's fine. Keep 
on! (Begins to beat time, then to move from one foot 
to another.) My gracious, but that's music. If I Avasn't 
so old and stiff, I think I could dance to that. Egypt! 

Bl 



I can't keep still. I have to go it. (Begins to dance 
sloivly, then faster and faster.) Hoop-la ! Romany, 
you're getting young again (dances with all his might). 
I 'm getting played out. There ! there ! that '11 do. Stop ! 
stop ! (Falls doivn in a faint.) 

Kaspar: Ha, ha, wasn't that funny? Didn't I 
make the old fellow dance ? Fairy King, I thank you ! 
There's magic in this fiddle and it will be my own fault 
if I don't make my fortune with it. Now, for the Duke 
of Wilten 's palace. Oh, Fairy King, once more I thank 
you ! (Exit) 

Jack and Bill (enter in a tragic ivay, look carefnlly 
around to see if anyone is near, and so on). 

Jack : I say, Bill, look at old Egypt here. Is he 
dead, do you think ? 

Bill (comes up) : Yes, I guess so — dead drunk. Let's 
see what he's got in his pockets. (They search him.) 

pJack (finds a couple of onions — business). 

Bill (finds pockethook — opens it): Hey! Jack, look 
at this. We've struck it rich. 

Jack : Halves ! Honor among thieves, you know. 
Here! (gives him an onion). 

Bill (throws onion away): All right. Don't talk 
so loud. AVe'll di^^^y up after awhile. Cut that rope 
and lead off the cow and we'll sell it to the butcher. 

Jack (cuts rope and leads off coiv. Bill follows). 

Romany (awakes) : What 's the matter ? Where am 
I ? Why did I go to sleep here ? yes, that music ! I 
never heard such music in all my life. I must have 
danced myself dizzy. What a fool I was. Romany, 
you're getting childish in your old age. I hope I don't 
catch cold. (Feels for handkerchief, and finds pocket- 
hook gone —business of searching pockets, etc.) My 
pocketbook's gone. Where is that fiddler? Shades of 
Egypt! I'm robbed! I'm robbed! Where is he? 
(Looks around — notices cow gone.) Oh, my cow! My 
money and my cow ! My cow and my money ! if I 
only had that young scamp here, I'd choke him. My 
cow! I'd strangle him. My money! I'll have the law 

22 



on him. Justice, justice ! My money and my cow ! 
Justice. (Exit.) 

Scene 2. 

(Enter Duke, Count and Viscount.) 

Duke : Welcome, friends, to AYilten 's halls, and 
may your stay be long and pleasant. 

Count : Thanks, most noble Duke ; your kind recep- 
tion makes us feel quite at home. 

Viscount : It does, indeed ; and I am extremely glad 
to see you in such health and spirits. The last time we 
met, you were still oppressed with grief, mourning the 
loss of your sainth^ wdf e. 

Count : I Avas traveling abroad when that sad event 
occurred; but I knew the good Duchess, and saintly is 
the right word to describe her. The thought that she is 
now in the enjoyment of the reward her good works 
merited should serve to console you for her loss. 

Duke: AVhat you say is true. But mine was no 
common loss: to be deprived of wife and child, both at 
the same time and in such a tragic way, was enough to 
drive a man distracted wdth grief. 

Viscount: I heard some vague rumors of that 
dread event but nothing clearly. If you can bear to 
relate the circumstances of her death without, at the 
same time, renewing your own grief, I should like very 
much to hear them. 

Count : I too would like to hear the details of that 
sad event, provided it does not entail too great a strain 
on your feelings. 

Duke : Dear friends, I thank you sincerely for your 
interest and sympathy. It is now some twelve years 
since the painful event you refer to occuri'cd. I had 
been married, then, about three years and had a charm- 
ing little boy, a little over a year old. I was spending 
the night at a neighboring castle when, happening to 
look out of the window, I saw a blaze in the dii'cction of 
this castle and in a moment I heard the alarm-bell ring- 
ing. I lost no time in mounting my horse and riding 

B3 



• 



like mad homeward. Soon the castle came in view, all 
wrapped in flames and smoke. When I reached it, they 
told me my wife was within the castle, searching for her 
child. I was about to enter the house, but the servants 
held me back; and the next moment, the roof caved in 
and the tottering walls fell, burying both wife and child 
in their ruins. The shock was too much for me and I 
fainted away. 

Count : That was indeed a terrible disaster ; no 
wonder your grief lasted so long. But have you no idea 
how the fire originated? 

Duke : That is the worst part of it. I strongly sus- 
pect that a former steward, whom I had discharged for 
knavery, set fire to the castle out of revenge. Some one 
told me he had seen the man, Roberto was his name, 
coming out of the building while the fire was going on, 
carrying a bundle under his arm; no doubt a store of 
valuables which he had stolen. 

Count: What became of him? 

Duke : I caused a strict search to be made for him, 
but without result ; no trace of him could be found. 
Probably he went abroad with his stolen plunder. I 
hope I may never cast eyes on him again, for the very 
sight of him would fill me again with thoughts of ven- 
geance. Pardon me, my friends, for dwelling so long 
on my private griefs and making such a demand on your 
patience. 

Viscount : Not at all ; your account was intensely 
interesting, and Ave feel highly honored at this mark of 
your confidence : we take it as a sign that you regard us 
as real friends. 

Duke : I most certainly do. But see ! here comes 
my friend and former music-master, Herr Gamoot. Now 
we shall hear of nothing but music and her sister song. 
How now, my dear Gamoot ? Have you today 's concert 
arranged ? 

Herr G. : Yes, yes ; everything is ready and I prom- 
ise you that you will hear some music worth listening to. 

I hope your friends are musical ? 

u 



DuKE: I think they are. Allow me to introduce 
them. Count Saxon and Viscount Amrass, — Herr 
Gamoot. 

Herr G. : Happy to make your acquaintance, gen- 
tlemen, and thrice happy to hear that you are musical. 
''Ah! music, heavenly music, 

What would earth without you be ? 
A barren waste chaotic, 

A storm-tossed gloomy sea." 

Count : Ha, ha ! Herr Gamoot, I see that you are 
a poet as well as a musician. 

Herr G. : Only a trifle, only a trifle. Though let 
me tell you, music and poetry are much more nearly re- 
lated than many people have any idea of, — they are twin 
sisters, in fact. But about this concert, have you seen 
the program yet ? 

Viscount : No ; we only arrived about an hour ago. 
I hope you have provided a variety for different tastes, 
Herr Gamoot? 

HSerr G. : That is the very beauty of it, — a great 
variety, a great variety I assure you. For instance, the 
first piece is an overture of my own composition, a trifle, 
indeed, but still something new. In fact you'll find 
nothing like it, in either Mozart or Beethoven. Of course 
they are good enough in their wslj, — a little old fash- 
ioned, perhaps, but good, yes, very good. I will give 
you some idea of my overture. (As he describes the 
various parts, he should imitate the different instru- 
ments and voices, a few bars of each.) First comes an 
andante movement for the bass fiddle — then an allegro 
scherzando for the violin — then the violoncello plays a 
tender prelude — now the soprano sings — and the tenor 
answers — here the father basely interrupts the scene — 
the cornet ex])resses its surprise at the interruption, — the 
contralto mother inquires the cause of the trouble, — 
then 

Duke : Hold on, hold on. Professor, if you rehearse 
the whole overture, you will rob us of the pleasure of 
novelty, when we hear it this afternoon. 

25 



Herr G. : True, true ; I forgot. When I begin to 
speak of music, I forget all else. 

Servant (enters and gives note to Duke). 

Duke : Here is bad news for you. Professor ; Signor 
Riotti sends word that he cannot come for the concert 
today ; he is sick in bed. 

Herr G. : What ! what ! my solo violinist 1 Impos- 
sible ! What is the matter with him ? 

Duke : He says he is crippled with an attack of 
rheumatism, and the doctor forbids him to leave his bed 
for a week. 

Herr G. : Rheumatism — in bed for a week— distrac- 
tion! (Walks up and down, runs his fingers through his 
hair, etc.) Donner und Blitzen ! AVhat shall I do? 
What shall I do? 

Duke (to servant): There is no answer. 

Servant : Please, your Highness, there is a boy at 
the door Avho asks to see you. 

Duke: A boy to see me? What sort of boy is it? 

Servant : Oh, quite a nice-looking boy, — he is very 
elegantly dressed and carries a fiddle. He says he wishes 
to play at your concert. 

Duke : Strange, who can he be ? Did you hear that, 
Professor? There's a boy wants to play the fiddle at 
your concert. 

Herr G. : A boy, — a boy, — what do I want with a 
boy? I want Signor Riotti ; not a boy. Some wandering 
Savoyard, Avho scrapes a few tunes on a cracked fiddle. 
Don't talk to me of a boy. (Walking up and down as 
before.) 

Servant : This boy is no Savoyard. He merely 
wishes to give you a specimen of his ability and says that 
if you are not satisfied, he will at once take his leave. 

Duke : He seems very confident for a boy. Shall 
we give him a trial ? 

Count : My curiosity is aroused. By all means let 
us hear him play. I '11 give a crown just to see him. 
Viscount : Aaid so will I. 

S6 



Duke : What do you say, Professor, for you will 
have to be the judge ; shall I have him come in f 

Herr G. : Oh, if the gentlemen are so anxious to see 
a boy scrape on a wretched fiddle, I have no objection ; 
by all means let him come in. I know^ how it wdll be, 
though; his scraping will set my teeth on edge. But no 
matter for that, I have tw^o hands to cover my ears, and 
if that don 't keep out the sound, why I can run into the 
house. 

Duke : Bring him in. 

Servant (exit). 

Duke : That 's one of the disadvantages of being a 
musician, — a person becomes a mere bundle of nerves. 

Count : Well, if the boy don't afford us some amuse- 
ment, the Professor will ; so in any case, w^e shall get our 
money's worth. See, here he comes. 

Kaspar (enters and walks up to Duke and hows): 
God save Your Highness! — (bows to others) and you. 
Gentlemen. 

Count (aside to Viscount): A most polite little 
fellow. 

Duke : Well, my little man, what is it you wish ? 

Kaspar : 

Your Highness, 'tis the fate of those who fill 
A lofty station in the world, to have 
Their every doing talked of far and near. 
Dame Rumor takes delight, wdth w^agging 

tongue. 
To noise abroad w^hatever them concerns. 
'Twas thus I heard that, in your halls today, 
A concert of rare music w^as prepared ; 
And thinking that if I could manifest 
Some art in playing on the violin, 
I might employment find and recompense, 
I came prepared to have you judge my skill 

Duke : If you can play but half as skillfully as you 
can muster words of compliment, my lad, your wish will 
be fulfilled. 



Kaspar : Permit me, then, to make the trial. Listen ! 
(Plays.) 

Here G. (Has his hands ready to clap on his ears, — 
as Kaspar plays, he must show hy his expression and 
gestures the effect supposed to he produced by the magic 
music, until at the end, when the others applaud, he 
rushes forward and embraces Kaspar) : Come to my 
arms, you soul of Music, you child of Apollo and Clio. 
You second Paganini. Now, for the first time in my 
life have I heard music. (During the rest of the scene, 
he hardly takes his eyes off Kaspar.) 

Duke : Well, Professor, you seem to have changed 
your mind about scraping on a fiddle. 

Count : Yes, he seems to like having his teeth set 
on edge. 

Viscount : Moreover he has grown valiant, and 
rushed to arms instead of running away. 

Herr G. : Jest on. Gentlemen, jest on ; I deserve it. 

Kaspar : 

Your kind approval of my humble skill. 
Fills me with hope that you will grant my 

suit. 
And in your concert let me have a part. 

Duke : That is for the Professor to decide. Come, 

what you say, Herr Gamoot, shall we have him for the 

concert ? 

Herr G. : Shall we have him ? How can you ask ? 

He is a whole concert in himself. I'd rather lose all 

the rest than let him go now. 
Duke : 

My boy, though you are quite unknown to me 
And I perhaps should first inquire of birth 
And parentage before I own to you 
How much you please me, yet your honest face 
And talents rare give me assurance that 
My trust is not misplaced. This house of mine 
You must consider as your present home, 
And I shall be your patron and your friend. 



Kaspar : 

Words fail nie to express my grateful thanks. 

I only hope that I shall ever prove, 

By word and deed, how much I prize your love. 
Duke: 

I have no doubt you will. But come, let's in; 

'Tis time for us to dine. (Exunt.) 

Scene 3. Hall of Justice. 

Fang AND Snapper (discovered, each at desk). 
Fang : Snapper ! 

Snapper: Yes. (Drawls it out: e-yes — J 
Fang: Did you copy out those briefs yet? 
Snapper : Yes, 

Fang : And write out the testimony of Squill vs. 
(versus) Pill? 
Snapper : Yes. 

Fang : And make out the bills for the month ? 
Snapper: No, I'm working on them now. 
Fangs What, you lazy fellow, not done with them 

yet? 

Snapper : Lazy ! I 'd like to see a man be lazy 
under you. You'd make a rare slave-driver, you would. 

Fang: Yes, lazj\ I suppose you haven't made out 
the monthly balance-sheet yet, either ? 

Snapper: Yes I have. 

Fangs Bring it here, let me see it. 

Snapper : Htere you are. 

P'ang (reads half -aloud ) : Rent of office — all right 
— water bill — yes — stamps — hm — salary of Snapper $25. 
(aloud). You don't deserve half that much; gas bill, 
O. K. — feather duster, 50c (aloud). Feather duster, 
feather duster; (shouts) Snapper! 

Snapper: Yes, I hear you. 

Fang: What does this mean, feather duster, 50c? 

Snapper (shoumig duster): This! I bought it to 
dust the furniture with. 

Fang: You did, eh? Now who authorized you to 

huy that feather duster? 

^9 



Snapper : You were complaining about everything 
being dusty and so — 

Fang: Yes, but who authorized you, etc. 

Snapper : Did you expect me to go around and blow 
the dust off with my breath'? 

Fang: Never mind ivhat I expected you to do. 
AYhat I want to know is — who, etc. 

Snapper : My good gracious I can 't dust the furni- 
ture with nothing, can I? 

Fang: That's got nothing to do with the question; 
Who, etc. 

Snapper : Did you want me to wipe the dust off 
with my fingers or use my pocket-handkerchief? 

Fang: Snapper, talk sense or I'll discharge you. 
Who, etc. . 

Snapper : Well, if it wasn 't you, it must have been 
old Nick ; there ! 

Romany (enters crying out) : Justice ! justice ! 
Mr. Judge, justice ! 

Fang : Hello ! what 's the matter with you ? 

Romany : Oh Judge ! I 've been robbed. Justice ! 
justice ! 

Fang : Leave off that howling and talk sense. Snap- 
per ! 

Snapper : Yes. 

Fang: Take down this man's testimony. 

Snapper : Yes. 

Fang : What 's your name ? 

Romany : Romany Rye — I 'm a poor but honest 
Gripsy, your honor, and I ask for justice. 

Fang: Now, who robbed you? speak out and tell 
the tiuth, but not as you are an honest Gypsy. 

Romany: It was this way. I sold a cow to farmer 
G-oodhouse yesterday for $30, and this morning, when 
I was going home with the money, I met a boy with a 
fiddle-— 

Fang: Nonsense! what's that got to do with the 
case? Don't be wasting time; come to the point at 
once. 

30 



Romany : Your Honor, that fiddler-boy robbed me. 
my money ! 

Fang: AYell you are a big fool to let a boy rob 
you; how did he do it? 

Romany : He played the fiddle and I began to 
dance — 

Snapper : Show the court how you did it, else I 
can't write it down. 

Fang: Silence, Snapper! 

Snapper : Yes. 

Fang : Go on Romany. 

Romany : I think I was bewitched ; I kept on danc- 
ing till I got dizzy, and fell do^^^l. When I came to my 
senses, I found all my money gone; that young rascal 
robbed me and ran aAvay. But I'll have justice. 

Fang: Romany, I think you've been drinking. 

Farmer G. (enters) : There he is, there 's the thief. 
AYhere's my cow, you villain'? 

Fang : Gently, gently. Farmer ; what 's the trouble ? 

Farmer G. : The Gypsy, here, sold me a cow yester- 
day^ evening, and this morning she's gone, — stolen out 
of my barn, and I believe he stole it. 

Romany : As I 'm an honest Gypsy I never stole 
your cow. Let me see; yes that's a fact — that same 
fiddler-boy who robbed me had a cow with him. I 
thought it looked very much like the cow I sold 3'ou, 
and now I'm sure it must have been the same, — he stole 
it. 

Fang: Well, we must try to find that fiddler-boy. 
What was he like? Who's this? 

Duke's Servant (enters and gives two notes to 
Fang.) : From my master, the Duke. 

Fang (gives one note to Snapper, opens liis own 
and reads) : An invitation to the Duke 's concert this 
afternoon. Tell your noble master I'll be there. You'll 
come too, eh. Snapper? 

Snapper : Yes. 

Romany: But what about the Fiddler-boy? 

Servant : That reminds me ; there 's a boy to play 

31 



the fiddle at the concert this afternoon. The Duke, the 
IVfiisic-master and all the others are wild about him. 
He plays like an angel. 

EoMANY: Is he about so high and dressed in (de- 
scribe dress.) 

Servant : Yes, do you know him ? 

Romany: Judge, that's the boy, — that's the one 
who stole the money and the cow; arrest him. 

Servant: You're dreaming, Egypt! What, that 
boy steal? I'd just as soon think of stealing myself — 
put that idea out of your head. I must be going. I'll 
tell the Duke you're coming. (Exit.) 

Romany : Judge, I swear that must be the boy who 
robbed me. I'll see the Duke and have justice. 

Fang: Well, go ahead. If you can identify him, 
we'll have him arrested. Some, Snapper, we must get 
ready for the concert. The court is adjourned. 

Snapper: Yes, the court is adjourned. 

Romany: I'll have justice if the boy were the 
Duke's own son. My money! my money. (Exeunt.) 

(Curtain) 



ACT III 

Scene 1 — Koom in Duke's House 

Kaspar: (Solus.) 

The Fairy King has kept his promised word; 

The Duke and all his noble company 

Treat me like honored guest, and never tire 

Of praising my great skill; while Herr Gamoot 

Regards me with such care, that one 

Would think I was his son. If all goes well 

Today, this concert will my fortune make. 

Fairy King, withdraw not then the power 
That you have given to this violin, 

And e'er with grateful heart, I'll sing your 
praise. 
Herr Gamoot (Enters.) 

Ah! there you are, my little Orpheus! 

I'm glad to find you in this room alone. 

Tell me, who was your master in this art? 

Who taught your hand to draw such harmony 

From out those strings'? 
Kaspar : 

No earthly master had I in this art. 

But, in a waking dream, a spirit came 

And dowered me with mystic skill and power. 

No doubt you 've heard that fairies sometimes 
grant 

To mortals at their birth, some special sign 

And token of their love. AVell, though but late 

1 Ve felt the presence of this welcome gift, 
I think, nay firm believe, such lot was mine. 

H!err G. : 

No doubt, no doubt. But tell me, for I fain 
Would learn of you, whence come the wondrous 

strains 
Which you command to ebb and flow at will ? 

Kaspar ; 



My childhood days I've passed 'mid Alpine 

peaks 
Where mountain torrents, cradled in their 

snows, 
Roll down with boisterous song and laughter 

wild. 
To join some placid stream, that pleasant flows 
Through fertile meads, all gemmed with 

starlike flowers. 
Amid the murmuring pines, I've heard the 

wind 
Now whisper accents sweet, like tones of love, 
Now boist-erous roar and fill the grove with fear. 
In Spring, the merry minstrel birds. 
Would sing their carols to the rising morn, 
And, floating in the pure, sweet mountain 

breeze, 
Pour floods of song into the vale below. 
These were my teachers in sweet harmony. 
And from the store of recollected lays, 
AVhich these have sung me, o 'er and o 'er again, 
I 've but to choose what vagrant fancy will, 
And pour them over these reverberant strings, 
And straight they render, with translated 

sound, 
The melodies of torrent, grove and bird. 

Herr G. : Wonderful, wonderful ! 

(Enter Duke, Count and Viscount.) 

Duke : 

Ha ! Professor, tete-a-tete, I see 
With my young protege. I '11 warrant,' now, 
Our learned friend's been trying to find out 
The secret of such new and w^ondrous skill. 

Herr G. : 

My noble master, you have guessed aright. 
For never having heard such music sweet 
From mortal hand before, — 

Duke : 

From mortal hand ! Suspect you then, old friend, 

34 . 



We entertain a spirit in disguise ? 
My little friend, I hope you 're flesh and blood ! 
(Pats his clieek.) 

Kaspar (smiling): Oh, yes. Your Highness. 

Duke : 

And have no dealings with the Evil One, 
As rumor says that Paganini had. 

Kaspar : Oh, no, no ! 

Duke : 

Then all is well. For I am quite content 

If either you have listened to the songs 

Of Angel-choirs and from them caught their 

strains. 
Or by well-meaning fairies been endowed, 
With matchless skill in depths of harmony. 

Count : 

Your speaking of angelic choirs and strains, 
Reminds me of that night long years ago, 
When angels sang to listening shepherd swains. 
Their song of joy that Christ the Lord had come. 

Kaspar : 

Oft have I thought of that angelic song. 
And often figured to myself the scene. 
The humble shepherds grouped around the fire, 
The solemn shades of night on all besides ; 
Till suddenly bright, gleaming rays of light 
Illume a circle round about the swains; 
And from the central focus of those gleams. 
Appears a radiant form, so purely bright, 

. That what was light before, now shadow seems. 
And oh ! the wondrous sweetness of that voice, 
AYhose liquid, golden tones bid them ''fear not," 
For Christ the Infant Savior now is born. 
Whom they shall find upon a bed of straw; 
Scarce ceases he to speak, when countless hosts 
Of choiring angels swiftly come to view, 
As though begotten from that radiance, 
And, raising their celestial voices sing — 
''Let glory be to God on high and peace 

35 



On earth to men of good and upright will. ' ' 
Oh, never since the world began its course 
Amid the glittering orbs of heaven's court, 
And hearkened to the music of the spheres. 
Did listening earth drink in such dulcet strains. 
As filled the throbbing air that Christmas morn. 
And floated o'er the slumbering Bethlehem. 
This afternoon. My Lords, I shall attempt 
To give some faint idea of that scene 
Upon my violin and let you judge 
How far mere earthly music can express 
The matchless strains of heavenly melody. 

Herr G. : 

If anyone can hope to compass that, 
I think with all my heart it will be you. 

Servant (announces) : Messrs. Fang and Snapper. 

Duke : Welcome, friends. 

Herr G. and Kaspar (speak apart). 

Count and Viscount (speak apart). 

Fang: Your Highness, it was very kind of you to 
invite us to your concert. 

Duke: Not at all; and yet it will be much better 
than I had imagined. I have secured the services of a 
youthful prodigy — a real genius, I assure you. 

Fang : Is that the boy ? 

Duke : Yes, that is he. 

Fang : A handsome little fellow. Your servant men- 
tioned him, when he brought the invitation, and spoke 
so highly in his praise, that I was very curious to, see 
him. Just at the time, I had a very strange case ; you 
remember. Snapper? 

Snapper : Yes. 

Fang : A certain gypsy was telling how he had been 
robbed by — (hell rings). 

Servant (enters) : All is ready for the concert. 

Duke : Excuse me. Fang, I will hear your story 
after the concert. 

Servant : There is an old gypsy below who insists 

36 



on seeing Your Highness. He says he has most impor- 
tant business. 

Duke : Tell him he'll have to wait until after the 
concert. (Exit servant.) Now, gentlemen, let us repair 
to the concert-hall. (Kaspar and Herr G. go first. All 
hoiv — tlien Diike and the rest.) 

Scene 2 — Woods 

EoBERTO (Solus): 

'Tis twelve long years since last I w^alked this 

grove ! 
Then w^as I servant to this haughty Duke, 
AYho on some charge of misdemeanor slight, 
Sent me from his employ to beg or starve. 
That was an evil day for both of us — 
E 'en now I still can see that castle proud 
Enwrapped in sheets of all-devouring flame. 
I heard, and much it grieved me then to hear, 
* That his good wife, who e'er w^as kind to me. 
Remained behind in search of her young child, 
AYhom I, in dire revenge had stolen away, 
Until the falling roof made it her grave. 
Oft have I dreamt of that most tragic death, 
And waked at midnight filled with haunting fear 
Of ghosts and dreadful visions of despair. 
But that is passed and I have callous grow^n. 
Twelve years of life amid Australian wdlds, 
Consumed with hunger, parched wdth burning 

thirst, 
And facing danger from both beast and man. 
Have clipped imagination's flighty wings. 
So here am I returned to try once more 
If I can not complete the work begun, 
And make this tyrant Duke once more to feel 
The heavy hand of cunning-wrought revenge. 
He once asserted that I stole his gold, 
And soon he shall have reasons to accuse, 
For he must now the needful means supply 

37 



For life and sweet enjoyment of the same. 
I have a plan to rob his house tonight, 
But need a pair of helpmates for the work, 
And see ! as if the devil knew my wish. 
He sends the needful ones to help me on. 
(Hides.) 

(Enter Jack and Bill — look around, etc.) 

Jack : Is the coast clear, pard 1 

Bill : Yes, there 's no one in sight. 

Jack : Well, let 's divvy up our spoil. How much 
did you get for that cow ? 

Bill : The butcher would only give $20. How much 
was in the gypsy 's pocketbook ? 

Jack : Just $30, — that makes fifty — 25 apiece. 
Well, that will last us a couple of weeks. Here, take this 
fiver; that makes us square. We'll have to lie low for 
a while, till this affair blows over. 

Bill: Yes. The old gypsy wdll move heaven and 
earth to find out the one who stole his pocketbook. 
(Takes out bottle.) Here's success to the profession I 
(drinks). 

Jack (takes out flask) : Here's to the same (drinks). 

Roberto (comes forward): Good day, G-entlemen! 

Jack and Bill (stagger hack in surprise, tJien feel 
for weapons). 

EoBERTO (showing pistol carelessly) : I 'm happy to 
meet two gentlemen of your profession. 

Jack : Of our profession ! What do you mean ? 

Roberto : Just what I said. Only I 'm sorry to see 
you run the risk of a halter for such trifling amounts. 
You ought to look after bigger game. (Jack and Bill 
look at each other and shrug shoulders.) 

Bill (aside to Jack): It's no use putting on here, I 
guess. He must have overheard us. 

Jack : Yes, I guess he did. Put a bold face on the 
matter. 

Bill : It 's all very well to talk of bigger game, but 
where are we to find it ? 

Jack: Yes, tell us that. 



Roberto : Before I tell you that, answer me this : — 
are you two game to crack a crib with me ? 

Bill : Yes, if it 's worth the risk. 

Jack: So say I. If there's money in it, you can 
count on me. 

Roberto : As to risk, there 's hardly any at all. And 
as for mone}^, if we succeed, as there's no doubt we will, 
3'OU will get more than you ever saw in your life before. 

Jack : Let 's hear your plan. You seem a plucky 
chap. 

Roberto: Do you know the Duke of Wilt en's 
palace "? 

Jack: Of course. But you don't mean that, do 
you ? 

Roberto : I mean that and no other. Where else 
would we get so much money? 

Jack (whistles in sign of surprise). 

Bill : Duke or no Duke, I 'm with you — go ahead 
with 3^our scheme. 

Roberto : This afternoon there 's some sort of a con- 
cert to be given there; after Avhich, no doubt, they'll 
have a grand supper with lots of wine and so on. Now, 
after all this excitement, they'll be tired out, and when 
once they get to sleep, there'll be no waking them. Do 
you see? 

JxiCK : Yes ; and then ? 

Roberto : Then we '11 come on the scene with a 
couple of sacks to carry off the plate which will be merely 
put aside in cupboards, and not locked up as usual. 
AVhile you two attend to that matter, I Avill look after 
what money the Duke may have in his room. Now, you 
have my plan ; what saj" you ? 

Jack : I 'm agreeable. 

Bill: So'm I. When and where shall we meet you ? 

Roberto : Oh, just come along with me and I '11 
show you where I've got everything we need prepared: 
sacks, lantern, masks, and so on. 

Jack: All right; come along. Bill. (Exeunt.) 

39 



Scene 3 — Same as in Scene 1 

(After the concert. Duke and guests enter — all talk- 
ing — lastly Kaspar; all applaud and how.) 

Duke : Your playing was simply superb. Here take 
this gold chain as a token of my appreciation. 
Herr Gamoot : Orpheus come to life again ! 
Count : The greatest musical genius of the age. 
Viscount : I seemed to hear the music of the 
spheres. 

Fang : I thought I was in heaven-. 
Snapper (aside): That's about as near heaven as 
you'll ever get. 
Kaspar : 

Oh, My Lord, and Noble Sirs, 
You overwhelm me with your flood of praise. 
I can not think that I deserve e 'en half 
The praise you lavish on me. Yet I'm glad 
That 'tis within my power, by my poor play. 
To give you pleasure. Thank you o'er and o'er. 
Duke : 

This modesty becomes you better far 
Than e'en your wondrous skill. Amid th' 

applause 
That henceforth will be sure to fill your life, 
Forget not that you owe whate'er you have 
To One above. Lose not the winsome grace 
Of modesty, the brightest ornament 
Of life's sweet spring- tide. Like the fragrant 

breath 
Of blushing rose, it gives an added charm 
To what before was fair. 
EoMANY (within) : Justice ! justice ! 
Duke: Who is that? 

EoMANY (enters) : Where is the Duke ? Justice ! 
most noble Duke, justice ! 

DuKE: Come, sirrah, cease that howling. Why 
break you in upon us here ? Where are the servants ? 
EoMANY : Pardon, Your Highness ; I 've been robbed 

40 



most shamefully; and see! there stands the thief! 
(Pointing io Kaspar.) 

Ajll : What ! 

Romany : Yes, that boy robbed me of all my money. 

Duke : What ! my young j^rotege a thief ! — my 
musical prodigy a robber ! Impossible ! You 've lost 
your senses. 

Count: The man is crazy! — turn him out! 

Fang : This is the man I was on the point of telling 
Your Highness about, before the concert. He's either 
drunk or stark mad. Shall I have him taken in charge? 

Duke : Do so ; this is no place for such as he. 

Kaspar : 

Ah, no ! Your Highness ; please let him remain. 
For since his accusation points to me, 
If you should have him forcibly removed, 
Suspicion might arise and rest on me. 
Hear what he has to say about the case, 
And I will answer him as best I can. 
Duke : Well, for your sake, I will hear him. Speak ! 
Romany : I accuse this boy of bewitching me with 
his fiddle, making me dance until I fell senseless, and 
then robbing me of all my money. 

Fang: His tale is strange; yet, what we ourselves 
have witnessed of his skill, gives it some color of prob- 
ability. 

Duke: Kaspar, you have heard the gypsy's accu- 
sation: what say yout Is there any truth in what he 
says ? 

Kaspar : 

There is. My Lord, some grain of truth in what 
He says, but more of falsehood. On my way 
To your palace this morning, as it chanced, 
I met this gypsy and I heard him tell 
HoAv he had sold a cow to some poor man. 
And that same night had stolen her again. 

Romany : 'Tis false ! He himself had the cow Avhen 

I met him. 

41 



Kaspar : 

You wicked man ! How dare you tell so false 
A tale. My Lord, I spoke to him and he, 
In turn, requested me to play for him. 
I played a lively tune which made him dance, 
And he made such a comic sight that I 
Played longer than I thought to do, until 
I saw him fall, o 'ercome, as I supposed. 
By dizziness or sheer fatigue, whereat 
I left him and came here. 
EoMANY : He acknowledges, he acknowledges ! Jus- 
tice, Noble Duke! 

Duke : Silence ! Why did you not tell me of this, 
my lad? 

Kaspar : The concert so engrossed me that it quite 
escaped my mind. 

Romany : But you won 't escape the law ! 
Duke : This must be looked into. I 'm very sorry 
that this has occurred, and especially at a time when I 
would have all things pleasant. (To Romany) : You 
shall have all justice. I will be answerable for this boy's 
appearance when the matter comes up for trial. (To 
Fang): Look, you attend to the particulars. (To 
Romany) : Now go ! 

Romany : I thank Your Highness. (Shakes liis fist 
at Kaspar, and exit.) 

Duke : Think not, my dear young friend, that I 
have any doubts of you; but till the matter has been 
sifted, and the real culprits found, you will please re- 
main in this compartment. All care will be taken of 
you. And now, good night ! Come, gentlemen. 
(Exeunt all hut Kaspar.) 

Kaspar : This happy day was all too bright to end 
AYithout a threatening shadow. Here am I 
An honorable prisoner confined. 
The Duke, 'tis true, does not as yet suspect 
That I am guilty of this charge. But when 
Investigation shall be made of me, 
And it is found that I have thus far been 

42 



An humble shepherd lad, what will he think? 
And how shall I account for these fine clothes 
And this most precious magic violin, 
Which, Herr Gamoot assures me, is a true 
And perfect Steiner, many thousands worth? 
And then, if those who really robbed the gypsy 
Cannot be found, how will it fare with me? 
I see my high career is very apt 
To bring great dangers in its brilliant wake. 
Far better, doubtless, had it been for me 
To have remained in humble life and state. 
What moved me wantonly to use the power 
I 'd just received, in making this gypsy dance ? 
Most likely 'twill a costly frolic prove. 
One last resource, 'tis true, remains to me, — 
To call upon the Fairy Queen for aid ; 
But this I 'm loath to use, until the worst 
Comes to the worst. I know not why, but feel 
A gloomy dread come stealing o'er my heart. 
I'll say my evening prayer, and then to sleep. 
(Prays; then lies down on sofa and falls asleep; 
lights lowered.) 

(Enter Jack, Bill and Roberto — business.) 
Roberto : So far, all is well. This is the ante-room 
to the Duke's apartments. In there (points) is kept the 
plate. Go in and fill your sacks. I will look after the 
Duke's money. Have you everything ready? Unmask 
your lantern and let's see. 

Jack (unmasks lantern so that light falls on Kas- 
par): Hello (starts back.) 

Kaspar (wakes up, sees the robbers, — seizes fiddle 
and plays. They begin to dance — all come 7^ushing in — 
lights up.) 

Duke: What means this? 

Kaspar (stops playing) : Burglars ! seize them ! (The 
robbers are captured.) 

Eoberto (draws dagger, breaks away from captors 
and rushes at Duke). 

Count (stabs him with sword). (Tableau — Curtain.) 

43 



ACT IV. 

Scene 1 — Garden of Duke's Palace. 

(Count and Viscount discovered.) 

Count : We have had quite an exciting experience 
since our coming here. The concert, with the little 
musical genius, then the gypsy's accusation, and finally, 
the robbery. By the way, when does the trial come off ? 

Viscount : When 1 why it took place this morning. 
Didn't you hear of it? 

Count : No ; I have just arrived from Vienna, where 
I have been the last three days on business. Tell me 
about it : where is our little friend Kaspar ? I haven 't 
seen him yet. 

Viscount : He is in prison. 

Count: In prison? Is it possible! On what 
charge ? 

Viscount : For stealing the farmer 's cow. The 
gypsy and the two robbers testified against him. You 
see, the case of the robbers came up first ; they were both 
found guilty and sentenced to six years in the peniten- 
tiary. The Duke's former servant, Roberto, was sen- 
tenced for life for planning the burglary and attempt- 
ing the life of the Duke; but that thrust you gave him 
with your sword will make his term a very short one, 
for he can not live more than a day or so. 

Count : Serves him right, though I had no inten- 
tion of wounding him so severely. But what of Kaspar ? 

Viscount : Well, after those three scoundrels had 
been disposed of, the gypsy testified that Kaspar had a 
cow Avith him at the time of their meeting, and swore it 
was the same one which had been sold to the farmer. 
Then the two robbers swore that they had also seen 
Kaspar with the cow and described it so well that the 
farmer and the gypsy both recognized it as the one in 
question. 

Count : And what did the boy say ? 

44 



Viscount : He merely repeated what he had said 
the day of the concert, — that the gypsy had sold the 
cow and then had stolen it again; but as there were 
three witnesses against him, his mere word did not suf- 
fice against their testimony, and so he was sent to prison. 

Count : But what does the Duke think about the 
matter ? 

Viscount: The Duke, of course, believes that Kas- 
par is innocent, but he Avas afraid to set him free, until 
more evidence could be procured in his favor. He is 
very much grieved at the turn affairs have taken because 
he had conceived a very great liking for the boy. 

Count : For my part, I believe the boy is as inno- 
cent of the theft as I am. Those two robbers, doubtless, 
testified against him out of revenge for being the cause 
of their capture. 

Viscount: So Herr Gamoot thinks. Hte takes the 
affair as much to heart as if Kaspar were his own son. 
It was one of the most affecting things I ever witnessed 
to see him part from the boy when he was sent to prison. 
As a special favor, Kaspar begged him to keep his fiddle 
for him, which, of course, Herr Gamoot promised. The 
Professor is determined to show that Kaspar is innocent, 
he says, even if he has to spend his whole life at it. 
Look! there he comes. ^See how downcast he is. 

Herr Gamoot (enters). 
^ Count : My dear Sir, this is very bad news I hear 
of your young friend, Kaspar. 

Herr G. : Bad news ! it is simply infamous. The 
idea of that young lamb being sent to prison on the tes- 
timony of those two villainous robbers. I can't bear to 
think of it. It's heart-rending. 

Count: Cheer up, Herr Gamoot; well prove him 
innocent yet. By the way, — a thought strikes me : what 
became of the cow? 

Viscount : That's a fact. Perhaps if we could find 
that cow we might discover the real thief. 

Herr G. : Count, I thank you for that suggestion. 

45 



Yes, we must find the cow; but where shall we look 
for it? 

Count : It seems to me that the most likely thing 
for the thief to do, would be to sell it to some butcher. 
Now, you have heard the description of the cow during 
the trial, and all you've got to do is to find out if any 
butcher bought such a cow about the time of the theft. 
If so, he will know the person who sold him the cow, 
you will find that person and then 

Herr G. : And then I will find the thief. Your plan 
is excellent. I'll set about the search at once, and I'll 
find out who the thief is if I have to visit every butcher 
in Tyrol. I wish you good-day, gentlemen. (Exit.) 

Viscount: Count, you've got the makings of a de- 
tective in you. 

Count: We'll wait to see hoAV the affair turns out 
before we decide that matter. But come, let us see the 
Duke and tell him of our plan. (Exeunt.) 

Scene 2 — A Prison. 

(Kaspar — Two Rohhers — Boherto on couch.) 

Jack : Well, Bill, we 've had hard luck. 

Bill : Yes, thanks to that young imp and his fiddle. 

Jack : Confound him ! But we 've paid him back in 
his own coin. Do you know, I can't tell how it was, but 
just as soon as I heard the first sound of that fiddle, I 
couldn't, for the life of me, help dancing. 

Bill : Well, that was my case too, exactly. In fact, 
I wanted to run away, but couldn't. 

Jack: Now, how^ do you account for that? 

Bill: I don't know, unless the boy's a kind of 
witch. 

Jack : He don't look it. You'd think sugar wouldn't 
melt in his mouth, he looks so innocent. 

Bill: So he does. Let's see if we can get anything 
about the matter out of him. 

Jack: That's not a bad idea. (To Kaspar): Come 
here ; boy, I want to ask you a question. What ! you 

4.6 



young imp of Satan ! come here, I say, or it '11 be the 
worse for you. 

Kaspar (comes): AYhat do you want? Please let 
me alone. 

Jack : Let you alone ! Yes, you young scamp, I '11 
let you alone if you don't mind and come when you're 
called. Now answer my questions, and mind you tell 
the truth. 

Kaspar : I always tell the truth. 

Jack: Especially when there's question of stealing 
a cow, eh, Bill? (Winks at Bill.) 

Bill : Yes, he 's altogether too good for ordinary 
people, so they put him in here just to keep him from 
spoiling. Where 's your fiddle, boy, I 'd like to see it ? 

Kaspar: I gave it to Herr Gamoot to keep for me. 

Jack : Well, now, tell me this : how do you make 
people dance with that fiddle? 

Kaspar : Why, by playing dance music on it, of 
course. 

Jack : Nonsense ; anybody who can scrape a fiddle 
can do that. AVhat I want to know is, — how do you 
make people dance whether they want to or not ? 

Kaspar: Didn't you really want to dance that 
night ? 

Bill (laugliing) : He got the best of you that time ; 
try again. 

Jack : Look here, youngster, I 'm a dangerous man 
to fool with, I give you warning. Now, answer my ques- 
tion. 

Kaspar: Well, then, the fiddle is a magic fiddle; 
that's the reason. 

Bill : A magic fiddle ! Where did you get it ? 

Kaspar: It was given me by the Queen of the 
Fairies. 

Jack: The Queen of the Fairies! Ha, ha ! That's 
one on you, Bill. 

Bill: You young liar, you! Jack, I think the 
youngster's making game of us. 

Jack: I'll make game of him, if he's not careful. 

47 



See here, what did you mean by rousing up the house 
with your confounded fiddle when you saw us? 

Kaspar : To keep you from robbing the Duke. 

Jack: What business was that of yours? What's 
the Duke to you? He doesn't give a snap of his finger 
for you or he wouldn't let you be sent to prison. 

Kaspar : AVhether he cares for me or not makes no 
difference. You had no business trying to rob him. 

Jack : How do you know we were going to rob him? 

Kaspar : AVhat other business could you have, com- 
ing into his house at that time of night? 

Jack : Plenty of other business. What business did 
you have there ? I tell you what. Bill, I think this young 
cattle thief got into the Duke's house to rob him, him- 
self, and he's mad because we wouldn't let him. 

Bill: That's about the size of it. I'll write to the 
Duke and let him know all about it. 

Jack : Of course you will. So, you young schemer, 
you want to know what business we had in the Duke's 
house that night, do you? AY ell, I'll tell you: we went 
there to watch you. The old gypsy told us he believed 
you were going to rob the Duke's house, and we went 
there just to keep you from doing it. As soon as the 
Duke knows of this, of course, he'll set us free and you'll 
get six months in jail, at least. 

Kaspar : Is that the best story you can make up ? 

Jack : AYhat ! I 'm a liar, am I ? (raises hand to 
strike; Bill stops Mm). 

Bill: Hold on, Jack, what's the good of hitting 
him. Let's make him entertain us. Can you sing? 

Kaspar : Yes, I can sing. 

Bill: Very well; then sing something for us. 

Kaspar : I don 't feel like singing. 

Bill : I don 't care whether you feel like it or not ; 
I tell you to sing. 

Kaspar : I will not sing. 

Bill : AYhat ! You won 't sing, won 't you ? 

Kaspar : No, I will not. 

Bill: Then, take that! (Slaps Imn.) 



Jack : You 're too rough, Bill ; he '11 tell his ma ! 

Kaspar: You cowardly ruffian, to strike a defense- 
less boy ! You think because you see me dressed so fine, 
that I am some mother 's petted darling. If so, you mis- 
take me entirely. Till a few days ago, I was a poor shep- 
herd boy, inured to hardship and danger. Would that 
I had my good shepherd's knife with me now, and men 
as you are, you would think twice before daring to touch 
me again. 

Jailer (enters) : What is all this fuss about in here ? 

Kaspar : That ruffian (pointing to Bill) struck me 
in the face, because I refused to sing for him. 

Jailer : You cowardly brute ! if you touch this boy 
again, I'll give you a taste of the cat-o '-nine-tails. I'm 
sorry for this, ni}^ poor boy ; but never mind, these two 
will be removed to the penitentiary tomorrow and then 
you'll have peace. (Exit.) 

(Rohhers retire to corner and lie down to sleep.) 

Kaspar : Oh ! what have I done to have to put up 
with such treatment? (Covers face witJi ha7ids.) 

lioBERTO (groans and moves restlessly ) . 

Kaspar (goes to him, — arranges things): Can I do 
anything for you ? 

Roberto : A glass of water, please. I 'm parched 
with fever. 

Kaspar (fetches drink) : How are you now ? 

Eoberto : A little better ; but my time has come ; 
I can't last much longer. Don't mind what those men 
said about telling the Duke. If I live until tomorrow, 
I '11 have you set free. Sit dow^n by me here awhile. Dg 
you know who I am ? 

Kaspar : Yes, sir. Herr Gamoot told me about you 
the day after the — I mean, the day after you were 
wounded. 

Eoberto : And yet, after hearing my story, you 
still are so kind to me ? 

KA.SPAR : What you have done is over and past, and 
I think you are now sorry for what you did. 

49 



Roberto : I am indeed ; you have softened my hard 
heart. Listen! I want you to tell the Duke something 
from me. You heard him say, perhaps, that his child 
was burned to death at the time of the fire ? 

Kaspar : Yes, I heard that ; is it not true ? 

EoBERTO : No ; what you heard was false : I stole the 
boy that night. 

E^SPAR : You did ? And does he still live ? Oh, this 
will be joyful news for the Duke ! 

Roberto : Wait ! I stole the boy to have revenge on 
the Duke. And when I had to fly the country, I left 
him with a poor shepherd, telling him that the child was 
an orphan and that I would soon come for him again. 
Since that time, I have heard nothing of the child; so 
I do not know if he is still alive ; but if he is, he must 
be about your age. 

Kaspar : Poor child, I pity him! for I know how 
he must have felt. I lost both my parents in infancy, 
and I too was taken care of by a shepherd. 

Roberto : Strange ! What is your name ? 

Kaspar : Kaspar. 

Roberto : That I know. I mean your family name : 
the name of your parents? 

Kaspar: That I do not know. As I told you, my 
parents died when I was very young and I never thought 
of asking their name. 

Roberto: Well, then, what was the name of the 
shepherd who took care of you? 

Kaspar : His name is Schaeffer, but everybody calls 
him Seppi. 

Roberto (raising himself on the couch) : What name 
did you say? 

Kaspar : Schaeffer, — Seppi Schaeffer. Why do you 
ask ? Do you know him ? 

Roberto : Wait, wait ! I '11 tell you presently. Have 
you nothing that belonged to your parents, — ^no keep- 
sake? 

Kaspar: No; unless a locket which the shepherd's 
wife gave me, belonged to them. 

50 



Roberto : Have you it with you ? Quick ! let me see 
it, — I 'm growing weak. 

Kj\.spar : I had it until a week ago, when I gave it 
to a poor old woman who 

EoBERTO : Do you know what was in the locket ? 

Kaspar : For a long time I did not know that there 
was anything in it. But one day I happened to press it 
in some peculiar way, and then it opened and I saw the 
picture of a beautiful lady. Under this were the ini- 
tials H. R. 

Roberto (gasping) : That — lady — was — your — 
mother. Give — locket — to — Duke — I 'm — dying . Pray — 

Kaspar (Begins the Our Father — aloud). 

Roberto : Forgive-us-our-tres-pass-es. (dies) . 

Kaspar : He is dead ! Oh, w^hat shall I do ? I must 
get that locket with my mother 's picture. my mother ! 
If I had only known that that was your picture, I would 
never have parted with it. No, not even to the Fairy 
Queen. I must call her and ask her to give it back to me 
again. Let me see — what is the charm? Oh, how does 
it begin? I can't remember it. Oh, Father in heaven, 
I Ve forgotten the charm. My mother ! Oh, my mother ! 
(Falls on knees and covers face.) 

(Curtain.) 



61 



ACT V. 

Scene 1 — Justice 's Office. 

Snapper : Well, these are busy times for me. Yes, 
I 'm almost worked to death. Speaking of death, reminds 
me that one of our prisoners is dead. The jailer told me 
that Roberto died last night. He said, too, that the boy 
Kaspar was disconsolate about some charm he had for- 
gotten. Now, if there is such a thing as a boy witch, I 
believe he's one. He bewitched the gypsy, the Duke and 
The robbers with his music, and I felt a sort of a kind of 
a bewitched myself. For hang me, I can't help liking 
the boy, in spite of myself ; and keep hoping that some- 
thing will turn up to set things to rights again. 

Fang (enters) : Is that the way you attend to your 
work, you lazy fellow. One would think you had noth- 
ing in the world to do, and here I have just got word 
from Herr Gamoot that he has found out something of 
great importance in connection with that boy Kaspar. 

Snapper : Do you know that Eoberto is dead 1 

Fang : No, when did he die ? 

Snapper: Last night. 

Fang : So ; that 's a good riddance. But hurry up 
and get things in order. Herr Gamoot may be here at 
any moment. 

Fang (Soliloquizes) : I wonder what Herr Gamoot 
has discovered? I hope he has found evidence to acquit 
that little boy; for it goes against my conscience to 
keep him in prison; and the Duke, I know, would give 
almost anything to have him found innocent. 

Herr Gamoot (Enters with hntcher and farmer): 
Good day, Mr. Fang! 

Fang: Your humble servant, Herr Gamoot. Good 
day, farmer, who is this man with you? 

Farmer : This is the butcher who bought my stolen 
cow. 



Fang: Ha! excellent; excellent! Some of your 
work, Herr Gamoot? 

Herr G : Yes, I found the man. 

Fang: I thought as much. Snapper! 

Snapper : Yes. 

Fang: Take down this man's testimon3\ 

Snapper : I 'm ready ; why don 't you begin ? 

Fang: Who sold you that cow, butcher? 

Butcher: You see, Mr. Judge, I was standing in 
my shop, about a week ago, when two men came along 
with a cow; and one of them asked me if I wouldn't 
buy her. Now, I needed some beef just then, and so 
I said, — yes ; and bought the cow for $20 ; but after 
the men were gone, I grew suspicious and thought I'd 
better keep the cow awhile to see if everything was all 
right. 

Fang : You grew suspicious, did you ? Now, what 
was it that made you suspect the man? 

Butcher : Why, a little thing in itself. You see 
the man who sold me the cow, had a nose as red as a 
poker. 

Fang : Well, what of that ? 

Butcher : Well, I began to think that a poor man 
like him couldn't have honestly come by such a nose 
and that made me suspicious. 

Fang : Snapper ! have you got that written down ? 

Snapper : Yes ; why ? 

Fang: Let it be a warning to you. 

Snapper : What ! what ! I don 't understand. 

Fang: The next time you look in the glass you will. 
Go on, my friend. • 

Butcher: There's very little more to be said. Only 
that yesterday, this gentleman (Herr G.) came to my 
shop and asked me if I had bought a cow lately and I 
told him yes, and showed him the cow. He said he would 
bring another man to look at her; and sure enough, he 
came a short time afterwards with this man here 
(farmer) and he said the cow was his. That's all I 

53 



know about it. I'd like to know, though, how I'm to 
get my $20 again, for I gave this man back his cow. 

Herr G. : Don 't worry about that ; the Duke will 
see that you are paid. Tell me, would you know these 
two men again, if you saw them? 

Butcher: Of course I would; especially the one 
with the red nose. I don't believe there's another nose 
like it in the country. 

Snapper : Mr. Fang ! 

Fang: Well? 

Snapper : Please make a note of that. 

Herr G. : Mr. Fang, will you please have those two 
robbers brought here. 

Fang: Certainly. Snapper, tell the jailor to bring 
the two prisoners into court. 

Snapper: All right. (Exit.) 

Fang (to fanner) : Are you sure the cow was yours ? 

Farmer : Certain. She was branded with the letter 
H. If the Gj^psy were here, who sold her to me, he could 
tell her too. (Enter Snapper, jailor and rohhers.) 

Fang : Now, Snapper, go and bring the Gypsy here. 
Quick! (Exit Snapper.) 

Butcher: There's the two who sold me the cow! 
You rascals ! What did you mean by selling me a stolen 
cow? 

Jack : Don 't get excited, pard ; it was all the way 
of business. 

Farmer : So, you acknowledge you stole the cow 
from me, do you? 

Jack : Who, I ? No, I never stole no cow from you, 
did I Bill? 

Bill : No, sir ; never seen the man before, honor 
bright. 

Fang: Where did you get the cow, then? 

Jack : Took her away from that little fiddler chap. 

Bill: Hold on, pard; I guess that little chap has 
suffered about enough. There's no use lying about the 
matter any longer. Judge, we took the cow from that 
greasy old Gipsy. What that little lad said was the 

54 



truth. We found the Gypsy lying on the ground and 
took the libert}^ of easing him of his valuables, for fear 
they might be stolen. 

Herr G. : Then Kaspar is innocent. Thank God ! 
Judge, send for him at once; let me embrace him. 

Fang (gives sign to tlie jailer ivJio goes out.) (En- 
ter Bomany and Snapper.) 

EoMANY: Well, judge, here I am. AYhat do you 
want with me? 

Fang: We have found the men who robbed you; 
here they are. (Points to Bill and Jack) : 

Romany : Oh, you villains ! give me back my mone}'. 

Fang : You '11 have time enough to ask them for 
your money, for you'll keep them company for six 
months. 

Romany : What does your honor mean ? 

Fang : I mean we have found the man who stole 
the cow from this farmer. 

Romany : And who is he, your Honor ? I hope you 
don't suspect — 

Fang: No, I don't suspect, — I know that you are 
the thief. These two admit they stole the cow from 
you. 

Romany : I hope you don 't believe the word of tAvo 
robbers again the word of an honest Gypsy? 

Fang: No, we don't. But here comes one whose 
word Ave now do believe. (Kaspar enters — Herr 0. 
rushes forward and embraces Mm.) 

Herr G. : My little Orpheus ! All is right again. 
You have been proven innocent. 

Kaspar: thank God and blessings on you, Herr 
Gamoot ! 

Fang: Shake hands, boy; allow me to congratulate 
you. These two men confess that the}' stole the cow 
from the Gypsy; so you are free. Herr Gamoot, you 
may now take this boy with j^ou to the Duke, who, I 
am sure, will be delighted to see him. (To Bomany.; 
As for you I sentence you to six months on the rock- 
pile. Jailor, take him and the other two back to prison. 

55 



Bill: Hold on one minute, judge; look here, little 
boy! I'm mighty sorry for the rough way I treated 
you in prison last night; when you fired up and made 
that speech at us, I felt so consarned mean I could have 
crept into a hole and pulled the hole in after me. Then, 
I saw the way you treated that villain Roberto, although 
I pretended to be asleep ; and I made up my mind to 
tell the truth about you, no matter what might happen, 
and I did it. I hope you don't think hard of me, now. 

Kaspar: No; I forgive you with all my heart. 

Bill : Then, put it there ! (Sliakes Jiands with 
Kaspar.) Now, I feel better. Come on, Jack. (Exit.) 



Scene 2 — Room in the Duke's Palace. Picture of 
A Lady on Wall, or Photograph on Table 

Count : Everything has turned out just as we 
hoped for; and our young friend, Kaspar, has been 
declared innocent. 

Viscount : Yes, all 's well that ends well. And now, 
perhaps, you will accept my congratulations on your 
detective abilities. 

Count : Not just yet. Viscount ; my plot is only 
half -worked out as yet. 

Viscount : Indeed ! Then what, pray, may be the 
problem that still remains to be solved? 

Count: The boy's identity. Who is Kaspar? 

Viscount: Why, I can tell you that. While you 
and Herr Gamoot were solving the problem of — who 
stole the cow ? — I made a quiet investigation into Kas- 
par 's antecedents and found that, up to the time he 
came here, he was a shepherd boy. Why do you ask? 

Count: I can't believe it. Where did he get that 
graceful bearing ? — that elegance of speech and those 
refined features? 

Viscount: Ah! Count, I'm afraid your imagina- 
tion is running way with your judgment, this time. 
You would like to throw a halo of romance around our 

56 



little fripnd. Bvit the truth is he is an humble shepherd 
lad. 

Count : You would be perfectly justified in what 
you say, if I had no other foundation for my theory 
than the boy's prettincss. But I have, although it is 
almost too vague as yet to mention it. By the waj^ do 
you remember when the Duke told us about the fire, 
he mentioned that Roberto was seen to leave the house 
with something wrapped up in a bundle. 

Viscount: Yes,, a bundle of plate and valuables, 
if I recollect right. What of it? 

Count: I think that bundle contained the Duke's 
son. 

Viscount : You amaze me ! and yet it is possible ! 
Oh, if you had only thought of this sooner, we might 
have got that villain Roberto to confess. Now, it is 
too late; he is dead and his secret dies with him. 

Count : What ! is Roberto dead ? I intended to see 
him today. 

Viscount: Yes, he died last night in prison. 

Count: Too bad, too bad! but well have to work 
out the problem without him, though now it will be a 
hundred times more difficult, if not impossible. By the 
way, Viscount, what do you think of this picture of the 
Duke's wife? 

Viscoi^nt (looking at it) : It is very well done — 
but bless me ! I think — no, it can't be — and yet it is so, 
too. (Approaclies tlie picture.) 

Count: Why, Viscount, what is the matter? Have 
you noticed anything particular in the picture that you 
talk so rhapsodically ? (Disconnectedly? ) 

Viscount : Yes , Count, I saw something very 
particular in it. 

Count : You interest me. Praj', what was it ? 

Viscount: Only the vague foundation you spoke 
about. The likeness is remarkable, isn't it? 

Count : ]\lost remarkable ! But hush ! here come the 
Duke and Kaspar. (Converses aside ivitli Viscount.) 
(Duke and Kaspar enter.) 



Duke : Cheer up, my little man, all your troubles 
are now over. You must not be thinking so much of 
that gloomy prison. 
Kaspar : 

'Tis pnt the thought of prison makes me sad, 
But of the things I learned while staying there. 
Yet have I also joyful news to tell, 
And it concerns you near. 
Duke: Joyful news for me? Well, let me hear it, 
though it is joy enough for me to see you declared inno- 
cent. 

Kaspar : 

Your enemy, Roberto, talked with me 
Before he died. Sincere repentance touched 
His soul and moved him to repair, as far 
As in him lay, the evil he had done. 
Duke : That he died penitent I am glad to hear, 
for penitence can wash the guilty soul. This it can do; 
but it cannot reverse the fatal consequence of sinful 
acts: it cannot bring the dead to life nor give me back 
my wife and child. 
Kaspar : 

'Tis true, it cannot bring the dead to life, 
But can restore the living to your arms. 
Duke : What mean you ? 
Kaspar : 

I mean that your lost child was not within 
The burning building when the roof caved in. 
Roberto found the child some time before, 
And carried him in safety from the place. 
Duke: O God! can this be true? Tell me, what 
became of the boy, — is he still alive? 
Kaspar : 

Roberto did not know; when forced to flee. 
He gave him, to a shepherd who agreed 
To keep the boy for hire till his return. 
He had not seen the shepherd since that day. 
Duke: Where is that shepherd, — did he not tell 

you his name? 

58 



Kaspar : 

I grieve to say he died before his lips 
Could finish his account. 
Duke: Then probably my child is either dead or 
never to be found; nay, even if I should recover him, 
will he not be some low and boorish peasant lad, ignor- 
ant and incapable of being weaned from his loutish 
ways ? O Roberto ! your very effort to undo your wrong 
has been a new revenge ! 

Viscount (a^ide to Count ) : Your chain of evidence 
is now complete ; had you not better speak ? 

Count (aside) : Wait ; let us hear what the boy has 
to say. 

Kaspar : 

Most noble Duke, it grieves me much to see 
You take so sad a view of your lost son. 
No doubt he lives, and if he does, I feel 
Convinced he'll prove a son quite worthy of 
Your high regard. Trust one who speaks of 
What he knows : a shepherd 's life does not 
Degrade the one who leads it. No, he lives 
In close commune with Nature Avho delights. 
Good mother as she is, to teach her child 
To be both pure and true. She fills his mind 
With lofty thoughts and asj^irations high; 
And from the contemplation of herself. 
She leads to thoughts of heaven and things 

divine, 
And these refine his mind and purify 
His heart. 
Duke : May God bless you for your cheering words, 
and may he grant that I shall find my son such a one 
as 3^ou describe and as you yourself are. I must at once 
set about searching for my poor, long-lost boy. 

Count : Most noble Duke, if my surmises prove cor- 
rect, your search will not be long. If you will look at 
this picture and then compare — 
Kaspar (looks at picture): 

heavens, my mother! my mother! Count, 

59 



Pray tell nie who this lady is and where- 
Slie dwells that I may go to her at once. 
Boberto said she was my mother. 
Duke : Your mother, boy ! Did Roberto say that 
this was the picture of your mother? 
Kaspar: 

Not this preciselj^, but the one I had 
Within a locket, just the same as this. 
But tell me where she is, my mother dear! 
Duke : Have you the locket ? Let me see it, quick ! 
Oh, if this be only true. 

Herr GtAmoot (enters — Count ivJiispers to him.) 
Kaspar : 

Alas ! I have it not : the day before 
I came to you, I gave it as an alms 
Unto the Fairy Queen who gave in turn 
The magic fiddle. Oh, if I but had 
It back again, I never more would part 
With it. But woe is me ! The fairy charm 
She bade me speak, if I should wish to have 
Her come to me, I cannot call to mind, 
And so I'll never see my locket more. 
(All look amazed and incredulous.) 
Herr G. : My dear boy, as yet I have never doubted 
your word and will not now, however strange your tale 
may sound. We must try to get that locket again, for 
more depends on it than you have any idea of. Was 
there no circumstance connected with the words the 
Fairy Queen spoke which may help to recall them to 
mind? 

Kaspar: 

Let me reflect. Oh, yes; she first pronounced 
The words which then the other fairies sang. 
Herr G. : Wait, — I have an idea. (Gets the magic 
fiddle.) Here, try to play that air on this magic fiddle 
and then, perhaps the words will occur to your mind. 
Kaspar: 

111 try at once. magic fiddle, play. 
Oh, play the fairy charm for me ! (Plays) 

60 



Oh,, now the words come plainly to my mind, 
Oh, Joy! I now can speak the mystic charm. 

''Sunbeams dancing o'er the sea, 
Moonbeams glancing o'er the lea, 
Starbeams twinkling merrily, 
Call the Fairy Queen to me." 

(Stage darkened — noise — Fairies witJwut hegin to 
sing words — enter Queen and Fairies singing.) 

QuEEX : 

Bright sunbeams dancing o'er the sea 
Have swift conveyed your call to me. 
"What danger, need or threatened harm 
Has made j^ou use the magic charm? 

Kaspar : 

gracious Queen ! when, moved by your request, 

1 gave my locket, little did I dream 

That it contained my mother's portrait. Take 
Again this magic fiddle but restore 
To me, I beg, my o^y\\ dear locket. 

Queen : 

With willing hand I now return 

This borrowed pledge for which you yearn. 

(Gives locket.) 

Duke : Oh, let me see it. 'Tis the verj^ same. 
Fairy Queen, I beseech you, tell me : is not this boy my 
long-lost son? 

Queen : 

He is indeed your long-lost boy. 
Sent here to fill your heart Avith joy. 

Duke: Oh, thanks, a thousand thanks, for your 
goodness! (Embraces Kaspar.) Oh, my son, my dear 

son ! 

Kaspar : 

My father dear ! Thank God for finding you, 
Though I must still lament a mother's, loss. 

61 



Queen: 

My magic gift I now reclaim, 
Since you no longer need the same. 

Kaspar (gives fiddle.) 

Queen : 

Come, fairies, let ns sing a lay 
In honor of this happy day, 
When son and father long apart, 
Now meet once more with joyful heart. 

Fairies: (Sing — Melody and words p. 88.) (Sub- 
stitute the ivord — fairies — for children.) 



€SS 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



017 400 277 




